WELL, Taste of Manchester told you how good The Hip Hop Chip Shop were (read our review). Now the seasoned professionals at the National Fish and Chip Awards have agreed, naming them 'Best Mobile Fish and Chip Operator Award 2017'.
The nomadic fish and fries purveyors have now beached up in a residency at Kosmonaut bar in the Northern Quarter, but their energetic street food days have certainly paid off. It’s quite a scoop for an operation that veers from the traditional norm, not least the name.
After Jonathan (Ozzie) Oswald with his advertising background came up with Hip Hop Chip Shop, it actually started life as multi-punning comedy website with spoof hip hop articles. Then came the catering with Luke Stocks as head chef (he creates the sublime beer batter). A case of the tail wagging the fish?
Co-owners Ozzie and Luke received their gong at a ceremony at London’s Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel, organised by Seafish, who support seafood and sustainability. The pair built up their business by converting a trailer to look like a boom box serving unconventional dishes such as ‘fish wrap’, Ms Fat Butty, Feastie Boys and Shell L Cool J Burger – a Louisiana spiced crabcake with battered smoky bacon and spicy ‘slaw.
Marcus Coleman, Chief Executive at Seafish, said: “The aim has always been to showcase the very best fish and chip businesses and individuals in the UK. Running a successful mobile business can be extremely challenging and it demands a lot of commitment; but this is something that The Hip Hop Chip Shop take in their stride. From promoting sustainability and responsible sourcing, to the skilful promotion of their business, they are a great example of how dedication and passion for the industry pays off.”
National Chip Shop of the Year is down near Plymouth and Hodgson's Chippy, in Lancaster, was named 'Best Fish and Chip Shop in the North West', in the regional heats.